Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University is a private nonprofit university in Lexington, VA ranked #36 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 1,884 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 17.4%. Students most often pursue Economics and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 95.4% first-year retention, and 94.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $23,911, about $6,913 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -20.0%, roughly 105.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $76,516. That's about $32,828 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Washington and Lee University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Washington and Lee University graduates 94.9% of students within six years and keeps 95.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Washington and Lee University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $64,525 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,290 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,685 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $82,990 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 11.1% of Washington and Lee University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $76 annually, while high-income families pay $42,745. Use Washington and Lee University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $9,222/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $42,745/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $76,516
- 10-Year Median Earnings $76,516
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,617
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.9%
- Employment Rate 85.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Washington and Lee University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Washington and Lee University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Washington and Lee University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Washington and Lee University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Washington and Lee University graduates earn $76,516 median, the -20.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 710-750
- SAT Math 700-780
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 32-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,884
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 95.4%
- Graduation Rate 94.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Washington and Lee University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Washington and Lee University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 17.4%, Washington and Lee University is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Washington and Lee University's 17.4% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1410 and 1530 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Washington and Lee University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Accounting and Related Services, and Economics draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 10.6%
- Economics 9.8%
- Political Science and Government 9.2%
- History 4.9%
- Mathematics 4.0%
See more majors
- English Language and Literature, General 3.8%
- Biology, General 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $145,820
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $109,628
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $106,739
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Journalism $79,742
- 5. Political Science and Government $75,915
- 6. History $70,608
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Law (First Professional Degree) $108,151
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $145,820—107% more than History ($70,608). Graduate: Law programs lead with $108,151 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Washington and Lee University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 95 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 61 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- History (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (32 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Engineering Science
- Journalism
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Area Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,884
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 48.6%
- Female Students 51.4%
- Caucasian 70.1%
- Asian 4.3%
- Hispanic 8.4%
- Black 4.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 11.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Washington and Lee University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Washington and Lee University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Washington and Lee University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Washington and Lee University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 70.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 11.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Washington and Lee University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Washington and Lee University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #36 nationally, Washington and Lee University combines competitive admissions with -20.0% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $76,516 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 94.9% six-year rates, with 95.4% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $23,911 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 348 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: Washington and Lee University's Market Position
A+ grade | #36 of 1927 | 98.2/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: Washington and Lee University occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -20.0% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $23,911 annually produces $76,516 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing Washington and Lee University should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: Washington and Lee University's #36 ranking and A+ grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 348 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 94.9% six-year graduation rate sits 32.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 95.4% first-year retention is 18.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -20.0% return on investment is 105.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $76,516 run about 75% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,911 is roughly $4,037 higher than the national median of $19,874.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 95.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.7% employment rate within three years sits 17.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,911 is about $4,037 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 11.1% trails the national share by 22.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Washington and Lee University is a private nonprofit university based in Lexington, VA and earns a A+ overall grade. It appears at #36 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns A+, Support A, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 95.4% retention and 94.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -20.0% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,911 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $82,990.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $59,079 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,617 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 11.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $76,516 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 75% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 85.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -20.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
17.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Washington and Lee University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Lexington, VA 24450-2116
- Website www.wlu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$2.00B